The government’s QR code-based “Fuel Pass” system, introduced to streamline fuel distribution, has encountered significant disruptions from the outset, leaving consumers facing widespread inconvenience.
Launched on a trial basis at selected petrol stations, the system has been repeatedly affected by server-related problems, preventing users, both registered and unregistered, from accessing the expected services.
Fuel distribution through the app began on Friday at Trust Filling Station in Tejgaon and Sonar Bangla Filling Station at Asad Gate in Dhaka. Under the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC)-developed system, users are expected to collect fuel within a fixed quota by scanning a QR code, while also retaining the option to purchase fuel at other stations without the pass.
However, the system was suspended just a day after its initial rollout across five stations on Saturday. Although authorities later announced a resumption of services at seven stations from Sunday, users reported continued disruptions on Monday, including server outages that blocked registration and transaction processing.
In several instances where registration was completed successfully, fuel pumps reportedly faced connectivity issues, forcing manual operations and resulting in long queues at stations.
As a consequence, neither registered users nor those without the Fuel Pass have been able to fully benefit from the system. Motorcyclists, in particular, have reported severe inconvenience due to difficulties in obtaining fuel as needed.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has expressed optimism that the technical issues will be resolved soon and normal service will be restored.
Fuel supply crunch, driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict, has led to widespread congestion at petrol stations across the country for more than a month, with consumers forced to wait in long queues for hours to purchase fuel.
In response, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Thursday introduced a QR-based digital fuel distribution system titled “Fuel Pass (Bangladesh)”, aiming to streamline fuel sales, ensure better management and reduce congestion at filling stations.
On Monday, after visiting several petrol stations, it was found that separate queues had been introduced for Fuel Pass users. Motorcyclists registered under the system were reportedly allowed to purchase fuel worth up to Tk 1,000, while unregistered users or those who had not completed registration were limited to fuel worth Tk 500.
However, implementation remained inconsistent across stations. In many cases, long single queues continued to form as technical difficulties hindered verification of Fuel Pass users at the point of sale. As a result, consumers continued to face delays and inconvenience.
A lecturer from the Department of Mass Communication at Bangladesh University of Professionals, Al Amin Rakib, described ongoing difficulties while refueling. He said that while a full tank previously lasted a week, current restrictions now require him to visit petrol stations twice a week.
Meanwhile, many users also reported difficulties accessing the registration website since Monday morning. Although the portal was briefly accessible earlier in the day, registration could not be completed due to technical glitches. Several petrol stations were also seen displaying notices stating that fuel would not be dispensed without Fuel Pass registration.
Motorists queued at the “Sonar Bangla” fuel pump on Elephant Road described severe inconvenience as they struggled to obtain fuel amid the ongoing distribution system changes.
Jakir Hossain, who came from Elephant Road, said he had been unable to refuel for the past two days, leaving his motorcycle out of service. “I tried to register online in the morning, but faced complications. Even after coming here, I couldn’t get a solution and am now waiting in line in hopes of getting fuel,” he said.
Meanwhile, an official from the energy division said the new system has received a positive response overall, with around 51,000 motorcyclists registered by Friday night. However, sudden heavy traffic caused temporary disruptions in the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) server.
Authorities are currently working to assess user experience and improve system performance. The energy division said server capacity will be expanded soon to make the system more efficient. Initially introduced for motorcyclists, the service is also planned to be extended to other vehicle categories in the future.